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FROM amazing animal sights to the joys of
luxury camping, Werribee Open Range Zoo
has created an incredible experience with its
Slumber Safaris.
As guests on the overnight experience, we were
treated to spectacular sights including a cheetah
feeding, a lively hippo and the rarely-seen
nocturnal habits of the zoo's residents during a
moonlight stroll.
A once-in-a-lifetime treat was also on offer in
the morning as guests had the chance to act as
keeper, with the opportunity to hand-feed the zoo's
incredible giraffe herd.
For Sydney couple Rob and Renee Hollerin, the
Slumber Safari was the ideal way to celebrate their
first anniversary.
"It's something really different and very special,''
Renee said. "You get a completely different
perspective of the animals, it's wonderful.''
The overnight experience begins at 3pm, with
an extended tour to see the zoo's fantastic wildlife
residents.
While the normal zoo tours take in all the animals,
the Slumber Safari group is not restricted by a
timescale, which allowed us to stay and observe
the animals for longer than usual.
We were rewarded with a wonderful display
from Harry the hippo who wallowed luxuriously
in his watery home before putting on a toothy
demonstration.
The behind-the-scenes aspects of the tour
change each time, depending on the animals' and
keepers' schedules.
Our close encounters involved hand-feeding the
giraffes and seeing a cheetah feeding, where the
keeper tossed meat to the animals just a metres away
behind a mesh fence, giving us the chance to see them
in action while learning more about the creatures.
The safari is a camping experience, but this was
camping in its luxury form.
The tents had wooden floors, crisp linen on
comfortable beds, a verandah to enjoy the views
and hot water bottles at night on request.
Greeted with champagne and canapes, we
enjoyed the spectacular view over the zoo's
savannah while our guides Amy Briese and James
Goodridgee prepared a delicious gourmet
barbecue.
A night-time walk through the zoo gave us the
rare chance to see the animals' nocturnal habits,
and take our time meeting the reptiles in the
education centres.
Amy said slumber guests regularly chose the
experience as a way to celebrate special events
such as marriage proposals, birthdays and
anniversaries and visitors were always amazed by
what they saw.
"I like taking people on a journey with us,'' she said.
"People can really connect with the wildlife, and
you know that when they go home they are going
to think more about it.
"It's a unique experience that opens people's
minds.''
James said the close-up encounters with the
animals were key to the magic of the experience.
"It's a gateway to Africa,'' he said.
"There's a lot of variety and people get the
chance to see animals a lot closer than they
normally would.
"People have a very emotional response to the
animals and, as a result, they are more likely to
think about the problem of endangered animals
and do something about it, so it's a very positive
experience.''
Slumber Safaris run from September to May on
selected nights and cost $325 per adult.
The zoo will also run family Slumber Safari nights
every Wednesday during January.
For details or to book, call 1300 966 784 or visit
zoo.org.au/werribeeopenrangezoo
Breakaway has one free couple's voucher to give away valued at $650. The lucky
winners get an overnight Slumber Safari at Werribee Open Range Zoo so they too
can get a taste of exotic Africa while enjoying premium camping accommodation.
For a chance to win, email your name, address and telephone number to
competition@geelongadvertiser.com.au with 'SLUMBER SAFARI' in the subject
line or send your name, address and telephone number on the back of an
envelope to: SLUMBER SAFARI Competition, C/- Geelong Advertiser, PO Box 91,
Geelong VIC 3220 by Friday, January 7, 2011. Winners will be notified in writing.
For full terms and conditions go to www.geelongadvertiser.com.au.
win an overnight Slumber Safari
GEELONG ADVERTISER I 29